Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  C/SUV value buy of the decade perhaps? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Gatormike - January 7 - 4:16 am

  Thought I would contribute a review to try to assist others with the agonizing decision I made - one that I am very happy I made: to go with a 2009 Honda Pilot 4wd Touring over the Highlander, Xterra and Pathfinder, and CX-9. Many object to the looks of the Pilot - we like it lot; looks like a real SUV. This vehicle is the clear choice for those looking for the utmost utility, safety, modern conveniences, and medium- duty off-road capability (yes, that is what the Pilots chassis, unibody structural integrity, and suspension are designed for), reasonable fuel efficiency, and highly functional (hopefully reliable) 4WD system. Pilot=best value/content going for the $$$ - mighty beefy S/CUV!

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  Great car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dee - January 6 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased the Accord Ex about 3 weeks ago & love it. I went from a mid-size suv & am happy with my decision. The car rides & handles great, with awesome power from a 4 cyl, 190 hp. Gas mileage is wonderful, 1st tank 26 mpg with almost all city driving. Looked at Camry (overpriced for the features I wanted) & Altima (no traction control, no bendable side mirrors, not as many features for the price of the Accord). Accord is very roomy. Also Honda was offering 0.9% financing! I would recommend this car for great value, comfort, & fun to drive!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2017 Honda CR V
  By George Conway - January 6 - 12:06 am

  Excellent Vehicle for the $. Great comfort, storage capacity and visibility. Electronics and Climate control take some getting used to especially the climate control which is supposed to be dual but is difficult to operate. Fuel door is difficult to find/reach, buried on the left side lower panel near the floor this is something a driver uses constantly and should be placed in a more accessible area. Overall this is an outstanding vehicle with just a few quirks.

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  Honda Accord 2005 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jesse Adams - January 5 - 6:36 am

  Outstanding service. The biggest thing that made pick a Honda is the service I get at the dealership. It is truely bar-nun.

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  WOW!! What a wonderful car top drive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RunMan - January 4 - 12:23 pm

  I traded in my 05 Nissan Armada for this car because of gas prices, MPG and we moved farther out from the city. We are getting 31.1 MPG now as compared to the 10 MPG in the Nissan Armada.

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  The Honda Unicorn - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Sid - January 4 - 2:47 am

  To get the best MPG out of this car, just drive it normally as you would any other car. Im averaging 46.5 per the computer over the first 2300 miles, but going by my gas fill ups, im getting 48.0 MPG driving around in Orange County with a 70/30 highway/city mix. Over my 60 mile daily commute, Ive seen a best of ~ 63 MPG in slow I-5 traffic and a worst of 41 MPG driving on the 133/241 toll roads through the mountains, low 50s are very common. It can average ~60 MPG if driven at 55 - 60 mph over mostly flat, smooth roads. Bumpy/rough roads seem to lower the mileage significantly. ECON mode also lowers MPG, yes lowers! The power delivery is strong and linear, car is very responsive (esp in Sport mode) the car is also very quiet on the highway (except when going uphill) with hardly any wind/tire noise. Handling is crisp, nimble and secure for my driving style, ride is comfortable but slightly on the stiff side - the chassis has a solid, well integrated feel. Braking feels a tiny bit weaker than my excellent 2016 CR-V but very normal. To maximize engine efficiency Honda seems to have cleverly programmed it to rev the engine up/down constantly instead of keeping it a steady light load (bad for efficiency) - whenever the engine runs its mostly under higher-loads and wider throttle - any excess energy is stored in the battery for later use when cruising. Also they smartly use battery power to cruise rather than accelerate - that way the battery energy logs more miles - the engine does the acceleration duties because it can do so with higher efficiency. Therefore, to maximize MPG, I accelerate to cruising speed quickly using the engine and then stay in EV while cruising. Ive seen better MPG if I climb uphill stretches briskly spending the battery and then coast downhill to recover the energy. The AC controls are very frustrating - no knobs, no touch bumps - so you have to take your eyes off the road to set fan speed or vent direction (a very inconsiderate design decision by Hondas engineers), also the vent direction control display scrolls from right to left as you keep pressing the button, instead of left to right as youd intuitively expect it (again thoughtless decision by Hondas engineers). This is my only negative so far. I am very happy with this car. Oh and yes the trip computer consistently underestimates MPG by ~ 1.3 which was pleasantly surprising.

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  2004 S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By JTW - January 4 - 2:00 am

  It has been a fun vehicle to drive. The car is like all other Honda products I own, high quality and very tight. It has plenty of pep and is an eye catcher.

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  My Ellie - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ivelisse - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome, although I consider it my mini truck...it is great on gas..took me a while to get use to the seats though, it is roomy, my passengers love the sunroof on the back of the car gives them something to do while on long trips...have many heads turning while cruising down the highway.

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  Great car/SUV! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Val Valentine - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Owned for six months. Continues to get great mileage in all conditions, approx 24 mpg. Awesome in CO winter conditions with great handling and traction in poor weather conditions (snow/ice). Glad I bought it and still having lots of fun exploring all the different ways to utilize its features, thanks Honda!

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  Mini Hummer - 2003 Honda Element
  By ahambrick - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I was intent on purchasing a RAV4 or a CR-V, but the Element caught my eye. When I drove it, that was it. This thing is fun to drive and has plenty of go for a 4 cyl.(Its easy to peel-out at a stop light... too easy). The interior has lots of room and its not cluttered with gadgets. Hauling capacity is great. By-the-way, Im not in the age group Honda targeted and Ive not seen an Element owner yet under 40.